Veterinary Dentistry in Arlington

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Similar to your annual visit to the dentist, your dog or cat should see us for a veterinary dental examination at least once every year. Pets who are more susceptible to dental issues than others may need to come in more frequently. 

Advanced Care Animal Clinic can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs. 

• Symptoms

  If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.

  • Tartar buildup
  • Discolored teeth 
  • Loose and/or broken teeth
  • Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Bad breath 
  • Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth 

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  Before your pet's dental exam, a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed. 

  The vet will take blood and urine analyses to confirm that your pet can safely undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs, may also be conducted. 

  Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will perform a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting. 

• Treatment

  The next step is to clean and polish the teeth (including under the gum line) and take X-rays. The vet will then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth. 

  Finally, a dental sealant is applied to keep plaque from sticking to the tooth enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is discovered, the veterinarian will create a treatment plan and review it with you. 

• Prevention

  Ideally, a follow-up exam can be booked two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment. 

  At this visit, we will discuss how to implement teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products to help improve your pet's oral health. 

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  As a consequence of poor oral health, our pets can develop tooth decay or periodontal disease. 

  Just like people, when animals eat, plaque attacks their teeth and can build up into tartar if not regularly brushed away. 

  This may lead to infections in the mouth, tooth decay, periodontal disease and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular vet dentist visits and dental care are critical to preventing disease and pain in the gums.

• How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?

  Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.

  Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under 'Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams'. 

• What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?

  Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body. 

  Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain. 

  This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and well-being. 

• What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?

  The vet will examine your pet's mouth during their regular oral exam to check for oral health conditions or any symptoms that require treatment. 

  Tartar and other debris will be cleared from your cat or dog's teeth. If gingivitis, cavities or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and offer advice on which actions you can take. 

  In some cases, surgery will be required to treat serious conditions. Anesthesia will be administered before your pet's dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and will not experience any pain. However, special care will be required post-surgery. 

  If you see any of these symptoms, book a dental appointment with us. 

• What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?

  At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque. 

  Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet dentist with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.